University City approves $575,000 contract to renovate Heman Park courts

The University City Council approved a $575,000 TIPS agreement on Jan. 26 to complete Heman Park athletic-court renovations funded by a St. Louis County parks and recreation grant.

Interim Parks and Recreation Director James Kriskkey told the council the full $575,000 grant matches the total contract amount and will cover construction to create three pickleball courts (by repaving and capping an existing basketball court), build three new basketball courts from scratch, and install the foundation and pad for a separate mini-pitch. "The full amount of the grant was $575,000," Kriskkey said, describing work that will include repaving, grading, fencing for the mini-pitch and a concrete walkway to interconnect facilities.

Council Member Smotherson asked what the finished site would include beyond courts and turf — benches, landscaping and final amenities — noting that the project renderings were not detailed. Kriskkey said contractors will perform the engineered grading and pavement work and that city staff would complete final landscaping and installation of benches and other site furnishings after construction.

The contract is with Burns and Jones Construction, which Kriskkey said contributed to early design and engineering work and has experience with sports-construction projects in the St. Louis area. Council approved the contract by voice vote (motion by Council Member McMahon; second by Council Member Fuller). The project will proceed with contract administration by city staff and final site amenities to be installed when construction is completed.